In Brief

In Brief

Article excerpt

HIGH STREET HELP

Shop rates relief extended

A rates concession for empty shops brought back into use in Northern Ireland has been extended for 2015/16, finance minister Simon Hamilton announced. He said the scheme had been a 'great success' with 375 businesses enjoying 50% rates relief in their first year of trading Rates exemption for standalone ATMs in rural areas has also been extended.

BRUSSELS RULES

Welsh in talks on EU schemes

A Welsh Local Government Association delegation met decision-makers in Brussels to discuss European Union funding programmes and their impact in Wales. Bob Bright, WLGA spokesman on Europe, said: 'The rules for future EU funding programmes covering 2014-2020 have only recently been set and we must now ensure we continue to shape the implementation of these vitally important funds. …